MARLBOROUGH — A water line failure flooded a boiler room at Marlborough Hospital Sunday evening, leading to the overnight evacuation and relocation of 70 patients, according to the Marlborough Fire Department.
Fire crews were dispatched at 6:16 p.m. on Feb. 8 after a water problem was reported at the hospital on Union Street. Upon arrival, firefighters found approximately four feet of water in the boiler room from an undetermined source.
With the heating system compromised, officials shut down equipment to reduce hazards, leaving only the emergency room operational. Hospital administrators determined that heat could not be restored quickly, and a decision was made to relocate all patients to other medical facilities.
Emergency management staff coordinated receiving hospitals while fire officials arranged transportation. According to the Marlborough Fire Department, multiple ambulance strike teams were mobilized, and a total of 70 patients, including 10 critical care patients, were transported beginning around 10:15 p.m. The relocation was completed at approximately 3:00 a.m.
A second-alarm response brought additional firefighters to assist at the scene. Crews cleared the hospital by approximately 3:30 a.m.
Fire officials said both main boilers were damaged and inoperable. The cause of the flooding was identified as a failure at the domestic water line entrance. High water and electrical hazards were reported, but no injuries to patients or fire personnel were reported.
Mutual aid was provided by departments from Northborough, Southborough, Sudbury, Westborough and Hudson. The Berlin and Framingham fire departments provided station coverage for the Marlborough Fire Department during the incident.
